Low Income Home Energy AssistaTime for Real Health Care Reform
Montana’s senior U.S. Sen. Max Baucus (D) has made health care reform a legislative priority in 2009. In November, Baucus ― chair of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over many health care programs ― unveiled a “Call to Action” to remake the U.S. health care system. AARP had a chance to ask Baucus about his plan.
Q. Why did you put together this “Call to Action”?
A. I’m leading the charge for health care reform because I believe all Americans deserve access to quality, affordable health care. In Montana one out of five people doesn’t have health insurance ― that’s not right. Nationally, 46 million Americans are uninsured and more are losing coverage each year. This can’t continue ― people have a right to health care.
For months, I’ve been meeting with Montanans and my colleagues in the Senate from both sides of the aisle, to hear their priorities. In November, I issued a “Call the Action,” a blueprint that lays out a plan for health care reform. Comprehensive reform is the only way to ensure all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. My blueprint for reform is about tackling the whole problem.
Q. Where does this “Call to Action” blueprint lead?
A. My plan is based on the working foundations that are already in place in our health care system. It builds on the employer-based system of coverage, on successful efforts to reward the best-quality care and on the dedication of smart, well-educated providers who work to provide good care.
Under my plan:
- Insurance companies participating in a one-stop health care marketplace will be required to meet minimum standards for coverage, including preventive care, while still competing to keep costs low.
- Participating insurance companies could not deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on medical histories.
- A technology-based medical records system would streamline the health care application process.
- More people who can’t afford health insurance would be immediately covered through Medicaid, Medicare and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
My plan builds on what is currently working and provides individuals and families with a variety of health insurance options.
Q. What kind of input have you received from your colleagues?
A. My plan has broad support and the ability to move forward. And I’ve received an overwhelming amount of support for my blueprint for health care reform.
Many of my colleagues in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have expressed support for my Call to Action. A number of health care stakeholders have also expressed support, including patient advocacy groups, medical professionals and insurers, including AARP, the American Public Health Association, the Federation of American Hospitals, Health Care for America Now, America’s Health Insurance Plans, the AFL-CIO, the Service Employees International Union, the National Partnership for Women and Families and the American Association of Homes ― just to name a few.
Last year, I held 10 Finance Committee hearings on health care reform, both in Washington D.C.Ok? Yes – it’s OK] and in Montana, to make sure this plan is right for folks in Big Sky country and right for Americans. I also hosted a day-long health summit in June 2008 to explore in greater depth the problems facing our health system. This plan truly is a comprehensive blueprint for reform.
Q. What will health care reform mean for Montana and Montana’s seniors?
A. I’m committed to ensuring any health care reform measures are right for Montana and for rural communities. Over the last year or so I’ve held listening sessions across Montana, in addition to a Senate Finance Committee field hearing in Missoula in October 2008. My health care blueprint will help Montana’s seniors get access to the care they need and deserve.
For example, my plan would expand the availability of Medicare, right away, by initially letting people between the ages of 55 and 64 buy into the program. That way folks who can’t afford private insurance because of high premiums or pre-existing conditions would get the coverage they need.
Learn more about Sen. Baucus’ blueprint by visiting http://finance.senate.gov/healthreform2009/finalwhitepaper.pdf
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